Nationals GM says team is ‘aggressively trying’ to extend Anthony Rendon

The Washington Nationals watched their most important player in franchise history leave as a free agent over the winter, and they are doing everything they can to make sure the same doesn’t happen with Anthony Rendon this offseason. At least, that is what they are saying publicly.

Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan’s “Grant & Danny Show” reported on Tuesday that Rendon and his agent Scott Boras have already decided they will no longer negotiate with the Nationals until free agency. Appearing on that same radio station Wednesday, Nats general manager Mike Rizzo said the team is “aggressively trying” to work out a long-term deal with Rendon.

“Anthony Rendon is a guy that we drafted, developed, signed and watch turn into a star in front of our eyes,” Rizzo said, as transcribed by Caroline Brandt of NBC Sports Washington. “He’s a guy that we’d like to have long-term. We’re certainly going to be aggressive and try to make that happen and hopefully, it will.”

Rizzo said the Nationals have shown they are willing to spend big money to retain players and sign free agents, and he isn’t viewing the Rendon situation any differently. However, he seemed to allude to the fact that Boras may have closed the lines of communication.

“It also takes two to get a deal done,” Rizzo added. “We’re aggressively trying to sign Anthony Rendon. We’d love to have him here as a National long-term.”

Losing Bryce Harper and Rendon in back-to-back offseasons would be disastrous for the Nationals from a fan satisfaction standpoint. Rendon is hitting .333 with nine home runs and 27 RBI this year, and he will only turn 29 in June. It goes without saying that Boras will be seeking a massive contract for his client, as usual.